HOUSTON – Charges have been filed against a mother and her boyfriend in the death of her toddler son.
Houston police say Damien Lamont Henderson and Trachell Foster, both 23, are charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury.
According to police, homicide investigators were called to an apartment in the 9600 block of West Montgomery Road at around 11:30 a.m. Friday after the 13-month-old boy was transported to the hospital. Officials say the boy was taken to Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said they learned that the child had been left in the care of Henderson while Foster, the boy's mother, went to a job interview.
Houston police say Henderson admitted to hitting the boy repeatedly with a belt on Friday and on numerous other occasions.
Authorities say their preliminary examination revealed that the boy had extensive internal injuries inflicted over a period of time. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death.
Neighbors told KPRC Local 2 they were stunned to hear about the allegations against the couple.
"We're all parents and it's sad, it's really sad, " said Georgia Lovett.
"It's not my child, but it's hurting to me because a thirteen month old can't fend for himself, can't speak," said Quana Malveaux.
According to CPS, Foster has an older child who lives with relatives. Henderson also has another child, and has court-ordered supervised visits.
Bail has been set at $50,000 for both Henderson and Foster.
Houston police say this is an ongoing investigation.